IELTS Writing Tests - Task 2

2022 'People who do not use social media networks* will always fall behind in career development opportunities.'

• To what extent do you feel that this is an accurate and important prediction?

2022 Many people today are worried about the large quantities of waste produced by ordinary households.

• What problems are caused by household waste, and what solutions may be possible in both the short and the long term?

2022 In many countries, truancy* is a worrying problem for both parents and educators.

• What are the causes of truancy, and what may be the effects on the child and the wider community?

2022 Some employers are willing to give their workers a certain amount of unpaid sabbatical* time, believing this benefits the individual and the organisation. Other employers see no merit in this arrangement and discourage it.

• Consider the possible arguments for and against unpaid sabbatical leave, and reach a viewpoint of your own.

2022 Some commentators feel that grandparents should live together with their children and grandchildren, while others say that elderly people should be encouraged to live independently.

• Consider the possible arguments on both sides of this debate, and reach your own conclusion.

2022 Some people believe that children of all ages should have extra responsibilities (for example, helping at home or at work). Others believe that, outside of school, children should be free to enjoy their lives.

• Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2022Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems.

• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2022As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs.

• Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2022Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can be better for their overall skills development and creativity than reading.

• To what extent do you agree?

2022Some people believe that more actions can be taken to prevent crime, while others think that little can be done.

• Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

2022Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.

• Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2022Some young people like to copy the behaviour and clothes of famous people today.

• Why might this be the case?
  What problems can it cause?

2022Today, many people use the internet and smartphones to transfer money to friends, family, and businesses.

• Is this a positive or negative development?

2022In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing.

• What problems is this causing?
  What measures could be taken to counter this situation?

2022Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.

• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2022The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful purpose, and can even be damaging.

• Do you agree or disagree?

2022A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research.

• Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2022Some observers say that police officers should be recruited from the communities where they work, so that they have local knowledge. Other people say that this is unnecessary, or even undesirable.

• Where do you stand on this debate?
  Is local knowledge essential in modern policing?

2022The Internet will never replace traditional course books in schools.

• How far do you agree with this prediction?

NEW2023Pollution of rivers, lakes and seas is a major concern for people who seek to protect the environment.

• What are the possible causes of water pollution, and what effects does this have on animal life and human society?

NEW2023Some people believe that children should spend all of their free time with their families. Others believe that this is unnecessary or even negative.

• Discuss the possible arguments on both sides, and say which side you personally support.

NEW2023Some employers offer their employees subsidised membership of gyms and sports clubs, believing that this will make their staff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other employers see no benefit in doing so.

• Consider the arguments from both aspects of this possible debate, and reach a conclusion.

NEW2023In many countries, traditional dress and costumes are considered effective ways of maintaining links with the past.

• How effective can traditional costumes be, in this sense?
  What other ways exist to help citizens connect with a country’s past?

NEW2023Transport delays and long journey times are a widespread phenomenon in many cities today.

• What are the causes of this problem, and how could the situation be improved?

NEW2023‘Unemployment remains the biggest challenge to school-leavers* in most countries’

• How far do you agree with this assessment?
  What other challenges face young people today?

NEW2023Some think newspapers are the best method for reading the news while others think other media is better.

• Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

NEW2023Car ownership has increased so rapidly over the past thirty years that in many cities around the world there are constant traffic jams.

• How true do you think this statement is?
  What measures can governments take to discourage people from owning cars?

NEWNEW2023In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing.

• Do you think this is a positive or a negative development

NEWNEW2023The most important aim of science should be to improve people's lives.

• To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

NEWNEW2023Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification.

• Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

NEWNEW2023In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people.

• To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?